Page 15 of Midnight Rebel

The next morning arrives faster than I anticipated. I wake up early, long before the alarm I set blares through the morning silence.

My heart beats with nervous anticipation, a mixture of excitement and dread bubbling in my chest as my thoughts dance between The Manor’s shadows and the secretive man who haunts them.

Damn it all, I’m falling for Colt Montgomery. No use fighting it now.

Today could changeeverything.

Chapter 5

Colt

“And this is the main kitchen,”I say, gesturing to the vast space with its gleaming stainless-steel appliances. “It’s been modernized, but we’ve kept many of the original features.”

Autumn runs her hand along the marble countertop, her gaze roaming, taking in every last corner.

It’s second nature to her—piecing together bits of information as if the truth can’t hide from her for long.

“This place is incredible, Colt,” she says, turning to face me. “I can’t believe how well-preserved everything is.”

I nod, my expression neutral. We’ve been at this for hours now, and her enthusiasm hasn’t dimmed. I can’t tear my eyes from Autumn’s swaying hips and how her hair catches the light.

Spending time with her is getting tougher by the minute. Having her so close, watching her explore every corner of my family’s legacy, stirs something in me I’m not ready to face.

My mind flashes to last night—her opening the door, fresh from the shower, only wearing a robe. That image of her damp hair on her neck is seared into my brain.

Was lowering my defenses and letting her in wise?

This tour was supposed to bore her, kill her story. Instead, I’m losing focus. I clear my throat. “This is it. The tour’s over.”

Autumn’s eyes keep moving until her gaze locks on the old wooden door in the kitchen corner. “What about that? Where does it lead?”

“The basement. It’s filled with a bunch of old junk and cobwebs. Nothing exciting down there.”

Her eyes light up. Shit. I’ve made the basement sound interesting, exactly what I was trying to avoid.

“Old house basements always have stories,” she says, a gleam in her eye. “There’s got to be something down there worth exploring. Maybe some hidden family secrets?”

“It’s not safe,” I say firmly, crossing my arms over my chest. “Old. Unstable. It’s off-limits for a reason.”

She raises an eyebrow, a slight smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Worried about me, Colt Montgomery? I didn’t think you cared.”

“It’s my job to keep people safe. And that includes stubborn reporters who don’t know when to quit.”

She grins. “That’s right! I never quit. I knew you’d ‘get me’ eventually.”

She’s pressing my buttons to get a reaction. I’ve faced hardened criminals who couldn’t break me, yet she effortlessly disarms me with her charm.

How much longer can I hold out?

I exhale in defeat. “This way.”

I find the familiar latch and click open the old door. We descend into the cool, vaulted wine cellar.

“There isn’t much to see,” I explain, motioning to the dusty shelves and mostly empty wine racks.

Autumn peers into the darkness beyond the shelves. “Where does that lead?”

“Nowhere interesting. Old passageways crisscrossing the grounds. But the tunnels aren’t used for anything these days.” She doesn’t need to know more than that. Besides, the place is a mess.

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